Cosmetic education with rigor and awareness
At Banbu, we believe that conscious cosmetics begin with clear, truthful, and understandable information. We know that many people are looking for healthier and more sustainable products, but they encounter a vocabulary full of ambiguous terms like “natural,” “toxic-free,” or “endocrine safe,” which are often used without a clear technical or legal basis.
That is why one of our priorities as a brand is to educate, not just inform. We support our formulation decisions with transparent explanations, based on reliable scientific and regulatory sources, so that you, as a consumer, can make informed and critical decisions.
“Natural”: what does it really mean?
Although it seems like a simple word, the term “natural” in cosmetics is not protected by a single legal definition in European legislation. This means that each brand can interpret it differently, generating confusion or even misleading marketing (greenwashing).
At Banbu, we follow internationally recognized criteria such as:
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ISO 16128 standard, which establishes guidelines for calculating the “natural index” of a product, based on the origin of its ingredients.
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COSMOS certification, which requires not only a high percentage of natural or organic ingredients but also respectful transformation processes, sustainable packaging, and no animal testing.
✅ For us, a “natural” ingredient is not just one that comes from nature, but one that is obtained and processed with low impact, without unnecessary chemical transformation, and with certified traceability.
“Toxic-free”: a popular expression, but not legally recognized
The term “toxic-free” is not part of any official European regulation, nor is it supported by Regulation 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. In fact, the EU prohibits by law the marketing of cosmetics that could harm human health. Therefore, all products that reach the market should be “safe.”
So, why do we use “toxic-free”? At Banbu, we do it in a responsible and contextualized way to refer to formulas that avoid the use of legal but controversial ingredients, such as:
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Parabens (such as butylparaben)
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Phthalates (such as DEP)
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BHT/BHA
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Questioned sunscreens (such as oxybenzone)
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Cyclic volatile silicones
We do not claim that these ingredients are “poison” or that conventional cosmetics are unsafe, but we adopt a precautionary approach, supported by scientific reviews and watchlists such as those of the SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) or the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency).
✅ When we say “toxic-free,” we are referring to a formulation free of controversial ingredients from the perspective of environmental or endocrine toxicology, even if they are legally permitted.
“Endocrine safe”: hormonal safety beyond what is mandatory
The term “endocrine safe” refers to products that do not contain substances with evidence or well-founded suspicion of altering the endocrine system, even if they are not yet officially prohibited.
At Banbu, we follow reference lists and studies such as:
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Opinions of the SCCS on endocrine disruptors in cosmetics (2021–2023)
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Classifications by the ECHA and its candidate list of substances of very high concern
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WHO/UNEP reports (2013) on global endocrine disruptors
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Peer-reviewed scientific publications (such as Vandenberg et al., 2012)
This allows us to exclude from our formulas ingredients that, although not banned, generate controversy or scientific concern, especially in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, or people with hormonal conditions.
✅ For Banbu, “endocrine safe” is not an empty promise, but a formulation decision based on the precautionary principle and updated scientific evidence.
Our commitment: to educate, not to simplify
We know that as a brand that communicates from a perspective of health and sustainability, we have an ethical responsibility: not to use these terms to induce fear or confusion, but to create cosmetic culture.
That is why we are developing educational content such as:
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Downloadable guides with technical explanations in plain language
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Ingredient comparisons based on scientific studies
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Short videos and educational newsletters
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Spaces to answer questions with our technical team
Because it is not just about offering better products, but about forming a more conscious, critical community that is capable of interpreting labeling and the current regulatory context.
